Neurotransmitters and their Impact on Mental Illness

International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391

Neurotransmitters and their Impact on Mental Illness

Seethalakshmi

Department of Psychiatry, KMCH College of Nursing, KMCR&E TRUST, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: Neuro transmitters play an important role in balancing our daily life. The impacts of neuro transmitters influence physical and mental behaviour. The neurons inside of the central and peripheral nervous system are responsible for all human activity. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that is released by a neurons terminal button. Neurotransmitters have either an excitatory or an inhibitory effect on the other nearby neurons. Neurotransmitters are very important part of the CNS because they allow communication to occur inside neurons as well as between neurons. This article reviews about the four primary neurotransmitters - acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA and serotonin, their impact on mental illness and rebalance them effectively.

Keywords: Neurotransmitters, central and peripheral nervous system, excitatory effect, inhibitory effect

1. Introduction

4. Structure of Neuron

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse. Target cell may be a neuron or some other kind of cell like a muscle or gland cell. Necessary for rapid communication in synapse. Neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles ? presynaptic side of a synapse.

2. Definition

Neurotransmitters are chemicals located and released in the brain to allow an impulse from one nerve cell to pass to another nerve cell.

3. Description

There are approximately 50 neurotransmitters identified. There are billions of nerve cells located in the brain, which do not directly touch each other. Nerve cells communicate messages by secreting neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters can excite or inhibit neurons (nerve cells).

The human brain is composed of roughly 86 billion neurons These cells communicate with each other via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Some common neurotransmitters are Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin and Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). Acetylcholine and Norepinephrine are excitatory neurotransmitters while Dopamine, Serotonin, and GABA are inhibitory neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter can directly or indirectly influence neurons in a specific portion of the brain, thereby affecting behaviour

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell (neuron) to another. The nerve impulse travels from the first nerve cell through the axon--a single smooth body arising from the nerve cell-- to the axon terminal and the synaptic knobs. Each synaptic knob communicates with a dendrite or cell body of another neuron, and the synaptic knobs contain neurovesicles that store and release neurotransmitters. The synapse lies between the synaptic knob and the next cell. For the impulse to continue traveling across the synapse to reach the next cell, the synaptic knobs release the neurotransmitter into that space, and the next nerve cell is stimulated to pick up the impulse and continue it,in a structure called the postsynaptic membrane of another nearby neuron.

Once the neurotransmitter is picked up by receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, the molecule is internalized in the neuron and the impulse continues. This process of nerve cell communication is extremely rapid.

Paper ID: ART20173641

Once the neurotransmitter is released from the neurotransmitter vesicles of the presynaptic membrane, the normal movement of molecules should be directed to

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International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391

receptor sites located on the postsynaptic membrane. However, in certain disease states, the flow of the neurotransmitter is defective. For example, in depression, the flow of the inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin is defective, and molecules flow back to their originating site (the presynaptic membrane) instead of to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane that will transmit the impulse to a nearby neuron. The mechanism of action and localization of neurotransmitters in the brain has provided valuable information concerning the cause of many mental disorders, including clinical depression and chemical dependency, and in researching medications that allow normal flow and movement of neurotransmitter molecules.

7. Types of Neurotransmitters

5. Mechanism of Impulse Transmission

A nerve impulse travels through a nerve in a long, slender cellular structure called an axon, and it eventually reaches a structure called the presynaptic membrane, which contains neurotransmitters to be released in a free space called the synaptic cleft. Freely flowing neurotransmitter molecules are picked up by receptors (structures that appear on cellular surfaces that pick up molecules that fit into them like a "lock and key") located

6. Chemical Synapse

8. Know Your Neuro Transmitters

Many brain and memory supplements include ingredients such as aminoacids,herbs and vitamins that are designed to boost the production of one or more neurotransmitters. 1) If you don't know which neuro transmitters you need to

boost,you might well taking substances that could make your imbalance even worse 2) When all neuro transmitters are important ,the big four are SEROTONIN,DOPAMINE,ACETYLCHOLINE and GABA.

9. Causes of Neuro Trans Mitter Depletion

1) Chronic stress 2) Poor diet 3) Environmental toxins 4) Drugs 5) Alcohol,Nicotine and Caffeine can cause neuro

transmitter depletion.

10. Neurotransmitters in CNS

Cholinergics

1.ACETYL CHOLINE was the first neurotransmitter discovered in 1921 by Ottoloewi (German biologist)

Location/Function

ANS: sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve terminals, parasympathetic post synaptic nerve terminals CNS: Cerebral cortex,hippocampus,limbic structures and basal ganglia

Implications For Mental Illness INCREASED LEVELS- Depression

DECREASED LEVELSAlzheimers disease,Huntingtons disease and

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International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391

FUNCTIONS: Sleep,arousal,pain,perception,movement, memory.

parkinsons disease.

II. Monoamines A.NOREPINEPHRINE Is strongly associated with bringing our nervous system into high alert

B. DOPAMINE generally involved in regulatory motor activity in mood, motivation and attention

C.SEROTONIN

D.HISTAMINE

III. Amino acids A.GAMMAAMINOBUTYRIC ACID (GABA) B. GLYCINE

C.GLUTAMATE ASPARTATE It is an amino acid and mostly found as an excitatory neurotransmitter in brain

ANS: Sympathetic post synaptic nerve terminals

CNS:

Thalamus,hypothalamus,limbic

system,hippocampus,cerebellum,cerebral cortex.

Functions:

Mood,cognition,perception,locomotion,cardio vascular

functioning,forming memories, sleep and arousal.

Frontalcortex, limbic system, basal ganglia, thalamus,

posterior pituitary and spinal cord.

FUNCTIONS Movement and co-ordination,emotions,voluntary judgement and release of prolactin. Hypothalamus,thalamus,limbicsystem,cerebral cortex,cerebellum,spinal cord FUNCTIONS Sleep and arousal,libido,appetite,mood aggression,painperception,coordination,judgement. FUNCTIONS: Wakefulness,painsensation and inflammatory response Hypothalamus,hippocampus,cerebellum,basalganglia,spi nal cord. FUNCTIONS: Slowdown body activity.

Spinal cord and brain stem FUNCTIONS: recurrent inhibition of motor neurons.

Pyramid cells of the cortex, cerebellum and the primary afferent systems: hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus and spinalcord.

DECREASED LEVELSDepression

INCREASED LEVELSMania,anxiety and schizophrenia. DECREASED LEVELS Parkinsons disease and depression

INCREASED LEVELS Mania and schizophrenia

INCREASED LEVELS Mania and schizophrenia and anxiety.

DECREASED LEVELS Depression and parkinsons disease. DECREASED LEVELS Depression DECREASED LEVELS Huntingtons disease,anxiety disorders,schizophrenia and various forms of epilepsy. Toxic levels leads to glycine encephalopathy. Decreased Levels are correlated with spastic motor movements. Increased Levels-huntingtons disease, temporal lobe epilepsy, spinal cerebellar degeneration, cognition, memory and learning

11. Neurotransmitters, Mental Disorders, and Medications

11.1 Schizophrenia

Impairment of dopamine-containing neurons in the brain is implicated in schizophrenia, a mental disease marked by disturbances in thinking and emotional reactions. Medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain, such as chlorpromazine and clozapine, have been used to alleviate the symptoms and help patients return to a normal social setting.

11.2 Depression

In depression, which afflicts about 3.5% of the population. Depression is treated with antidepressants that affect norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. The antidepressants help correct the abnormal neurotransmitter activity.

A newer drug, fluoxetine (Prozac), is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that appears to establish the level of serotonin required to function at a normal level.

inability for self-care. The disease seems to be caused by a loss of cells that secrete acetylcholine in the basal forebrain (region of brain that is the control center for sensory and associative information processing and motor activities). Some medications to alleviate the symptoms have been developed, but presently there is no known treatment for the disease.

11.4 Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience excessive worry that causes problems at work and in the maintenance of daily responsibilities. Evidence suggests that GAD involves several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including norepinephrine and serotonin.

11.5 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

People affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience difficulties in the areas of attention, overactivity, impulse control, and distractibility. Research shows that dopamine and norepinephrine imbalances are strongly implicated in causing ADHD.

11.3 Alzheimer's Disease

11.6 Others

Alzheimer's disease , which affects an estimated four million Substantial research evidence also suggests a correlation of Americans, is characterized by memory loss and the eventual neurotransmitter imbalance with disorders such as

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ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391

borderline personality disorders , schizotypal personality disorder , avoidant personality disorder , social phobia , histrionic personality disorder , and somatization disorder

12. Drug Addictions

Cocaine and crack cocaine are psychostimulants that affect neurons containing dopamine in the areas of the brain known as the limbic and frontal cortex. When cocaine is used, it generates a feeling of confidence and power. However, when large amounts are taken, people "crash" and suffer from physical and emotional exhaustion as well as depression. Opiates, such as heroin and morphine, appear to mimic naturally occurring peptide substances in the brain that act as neurotransmitters with opiate activity called endorphins. Natural endorphins of the brain act to kill pain, cause sensations of pleasure, and cause sleepiness. Endorphins released with extensive aerobic experience. It is believed that morphine and heroin combine with the endorphin receptors in the brain, resulting in reduced natural endorphin production. As a result, the drugs are needed to replace the naturally produced endorphins and addiction occurs. Attempts to counteract the effects of the drugs involve using medications that mimic them, such as nalorphine, naloxone, and naltrexone.

Alcohol is one of the depressant drugs in widest use, and is believed to cause its effects by interacting with the GABA receptor. Initially anxiety is controlled, but greater amounts reduce muscle control and delay reaction time due to impaired thinking. Alcohol inhibits glutamate receptor function. This causes dis co-ordination, slurred speech, staggering, memory disruption and black-out.

13. Neurotransmitters Imbalances Can Cause Wide Spread of Other Health Problems Listed Below

2) Are you a shopaholic, chocoholic, caffeine addict, or worse?

3) Do you get depressed for no apparent reason, feel overwhelmed by life, have trouble sleeping, or have negative thoughts that you just can't shake?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's very possible that you have a neurotransmitter imbalance.

15. Serotonin- The "Happiness Molecule"

Of all the neurotransmitters, serotonin definitely gets the most attention. Serotonin is called the happiness molecule because it's so essential for a positive mood. Symptoms of low serotonin include carbohydrate cravings, binge eating, insomnia, anxiety, negativity, digestive disorders, low selfesteem, low libido, and hypervigilance. Men and women express somewhat different symptoms of low serotonin. Women are much more likely to experience mood disorders and carbohydrate cravings, whereas men are more likely to be impulsive, have ADHD, and drink alcohol in excess.

BRAIN FOG: loss of mental focus, ADD, ADHD, impaired memory, poor decision making

Fatigue Insomnia: difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both.

Low serotonin levels are linked to the most common mood disorders of our time -- depression, anxiety, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Pain : migraine, fibromyalgia Obesity: metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and

diabetes.

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are believed to help depression by increasing serotonin levels.

13.1 Mood Disorders

Depression, mood swings, irritability

15.1 Serotonin Boosting Supplements

Anxiety Panic, obsessions, ptsd. Behavioural disturbances Addictions, binge eating,

compulsions,

impulsivity,

" It is important to re-emphasize that the natural antidepressant serotonin can only be increased in the body and brain by the ingestion of one of its two precursor aminoacids.

gambling, autism Hormonal imbalances-PMS Oestrogen dominance, low testosterone, hypothyroidism.

Tryptophan is the amino acid precursor, or building block of serotonin. It is found mainly in protein rich food like meat,eggs and

14. Balance Your Neurotransmitters to Take fish.

Control of Your Life

Tryptophan supplements:

Eating carbohydrates alone-with no protein-at some of your 1) Is there an area of your life where you feel out of control? meals or snacks allows tryptophan to enter your brain and

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ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391

boost serotonin levels there. Another surprise is that tryptophan supplements work better than tryptophan found in food to increase serotonin. Curcumin and turmeric supplements raise serotonin levels Omega 3 supplements also increase serotonin levels Herbs that increase serotonin levels are plant parts-seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark and flowers are used medicinally. Eggs, cheese, pineapples, tofu, nuts and seeds also raise serotonin levels.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic are good bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt,kefir and un pasteurized sauerkraut.

Dopamine has another important role as the brain chemical in charge of the body's pleasure-reward system. Dopamine is released when your needs are about to be met and delivers a feeling of satisfaction when you have accomplished your goals. If you've lost your zest for life or find yourself engaging in self-destructive behaviors to get your kicks, you may be low in dopamine.

Signs of low dopamine include apathy, low energy and motivation, low libido, and inability to experience pleasure. Dopamine deficiency can manifest as a lethargic and apathetic form of depression unlike serotonin-based depression which is usually linked to anxiety.

Other ways to boost serotonin 1) Sunshine 2) Exercise 3) Positivity 4) Sufficient sleep

Here are several tips for naturally boosting serotonin with the body ecology program 1) Get enough vit b6 2) Spinach 3) Turnip greens,garlic,cauliflower 4) Mustard greens 5) Celery, fish 6) Poultry 7) Eat body ecology recommended grain-like seeds 8) For protein meals :high tryptophan (like turkey,sunflower

seeds and pumpkin seeds) 9) Include fermented foods and drinks in your diet 10)Get plenty of exercise 11)Get massage and other forms of body work (massage

increases serotonin by 28% and decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) 12)reduce stress 13)eliminate sugar if you have low serotonin,you may have intense cravings for sugar.this is your bodys way of trying to increase serotonin because eating sugar produces insulin which helps tryptophan go into your brain. 14)focus on emotional healing.

16. Dopamine -- The "Motivation Molecule"

Dopamine has been coined the motivation molecule.

Many people self-medicate with addictive substances like caffeine, alcohol, sugar, nicotine, and recreational drugs to increase dopamine. Others get their dopamine hit from excesses of all kinds -- too much shopping, sex, gambling, video games, and thrill-seeking behaviors. Fortunately, addictions and risky behaviors are not the only way to increase dopamine! You can increase dopamine naturally with the right foods, supplements, and lifestyle activities.

16.1 Dopamine Boosting Supplements

The aminoacid thyrosine is a major building block of dopamine and must be present for dopamine synthesis. Thyrosine can be found in most animal food products, other foods that increase dopamine include avocado, greenleafy vegetables,apples,beets,chocolates,oat meal,nuts and seeds.

Coffee and green tea increase dopamine. Citicoline supplements, Bacopa supplements, healthy lifestyle activities like physical exercise and meditation increase dopamine.

Apples contain Quercetin to prevent neuro degeneration and boost dopamine.

Kale...Rich in folate, to trigger dopamine production.

Bananas including the aminoacids tyrosin boosts dopamine. Strawberries and Blueberries include tyrosine like bananas.

Green tea contains Polyphenols good for brain and heart function

Dopamine is released when your needs are about to be met and delivers a feeling of satisfaction when you've accomplished your goals. caffeine is easily abused and addictive tendencies are a hallmark of low dopamine. There are plenty of supplements that increase dopamine naturally. A good one to start with is acetyl-l-tyrosine, a highly absorbable form of tyrosine that readily crosses the bloodbrain barrier into the brain.

It provides the drive and focus needed to do what needs to be done.

Other supplements that increase dopamine include citicoline, curcumin, Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean or cowhage), phosphatidylserine, and Ginkgo biloba. Bacopa

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